Ideas of Stuart Glennan, by Theme

[American, fl. 2008, Professor at Butler University in Indianapolis.]

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14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 2. Aim of Science
Empiricist theories are sets of laws, which give explanations and reductions
14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / i. Explanations by mechanism
Modern mechanism need parts with spatial, temporal and function facts, and diagrams
Mechanistic philosophy of science is an alternative to the empiricist law-based tradition
Mechanisms are either systems of parts or sequences of activities
17th century mechanists explained everything by the kinetic physical fundamentals
Unlike the lawlike approach, mechanistic explanation can allow for exceptions
26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 4. Naturalised causation
Since causal events are related by mechanisms, causation can be analysed in that way